Dent Chula Hosts AVEP 2025 to Strengthen Academic Networks and Knowledge Exchange

The Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the International Affairs of Dental Student Committee, organized the Academic Visit and Exchange Program (AVEP) 2025 in the theme of “Emergency Dentistry” from December 12–16, 2025. The program aimed to foster relationships and promote the exchange of academic experiences among dental students from Thailand and abroad. This year, a total of 43 international dental students and one professor from 13 universities around the world participated in the program.

• The University of Queensland, Australia — 4 participants
• Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia — 3 participants
• Hasanuddin University, Indonesia — 2 participants
• Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia — 2 participants
• AIMST University, Malaysia — 4 participants
• Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia — 2 participants
• Universiti Malaya, Malaysia — 1 participant
• University of the Philippines, Philippines — 2 participants
• Centro Escolar University, Philippines — 11 participants
• University of the East – Manila, Philippines — 4 participants
• Iloilo Doctors’ College, Philippines — 2 participants
• University of Washington, United States — 4 participants
• Van Lang University, Vietnam — 3 participants

On December 12, 2025, the official opening ceremony was held in the Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Conference Room on the 19th floor of the Boromanathsrinagarindra building, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University. The event was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Rangsima Sakoolnamarka, Associate Dean for International Affairs, Corporate Communications, and Social Activities, who delivered the opening remarks. This was followed by a welcoming speech and program overview by Ms. Benyapha Attichartpatsorn, a third-year dental student and AVEP 2025 Head of Event. Ice-breaking games and group discussions were then held to encourage interaction and academic exchange among participants.

In the afternoon, participants enjoyed cultural learning activities and sightseeing at prominent Bangkok landmarks such as Wat Arun Ratchawararam and ICONSIAM. The day concluded with a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River aboard the White Orchid River Cruise.

On December 13, the program continued with academic activities featuring two lectures:

1. Forensic Odontology by Asst. Prof. Pisha Pittayapat, Department of Radiology.
2. Medical Emergency in Dental Practice by Dr. Lt. Panuwach Subbalekha from Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, co-lecturing with Assoc. Prof. Keskanya Subbalekha from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Participants also toured several facilities within the faculty, including:

• Vach Vidyavaddhana Museum
• Museum of Human Body, with a lecture by Asst. Prof. Phoonsuk Limraksasin from the Department of Anatomy
• Simodont Virtual Dental Training session led by Assoc. Prof. Rangsima Sakoolnamarka, Assoc. Dean for International Affairs, Corporate Communications, and Social Activities

On December 14, students engaged in community and cultural learning activities at “Baan Mai Chai Khlong” in the Phoonbamphen community, where they joined a Thai dessert workshop and had lunch at “Kati Restaurant”. The group later visited Wat Pho and Museum Siam.

On December 15, participants toured several clinical units at the faculty, including:

• The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, operating theater, and patient recovery ward, guided by Prof. Dr. Arthiphan Phimkhaokhum, Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
• The Radiology Clinic, introduced by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phornkawi Charoenlap and Dr. Sappat Benjawongkulchai from the Department of Radiology.

The afternoon featured two practical workshops:

• Workshop 1: “Facial Prosthetics” – ear impression and plaster casting practice under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Wisarut Prawatwatchara, Department of Prosthodontics.
• Workshop 2: “Emergency in Dental Practice” – simulation training in emergency management, including scenarios such as anaphylactic shock and airway obstruction, supervised by Asst. Prof. Dr. Worapat Trachoo from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The day concluded with a farewell party, where participating students wore traditional costumes from their respective countries.

On December 16, 2025, the closing ceremony of AVEP 2025 took place, officiated by Assoc. Prof. Rangsima Sakoolnamarka, who presented certificates of participation and delivered closing remarks. The event ended with a group photo to commemorate the successful conclusion of AVEP 2025.